The UFC’s plan regarding the lightweight division continues to be currently unknown, however it could see the tip of Justin Gaethje’s time within the promotion.
Earlier this yr, the lightweight division crowned a brand new champion following the title vacation of Islam Makhachev, when Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Since then, ‘El Matador’ has continued to tease a possible fight against Makhachev, despite the undeniable fact that the Russian has moved as much as the welterweight division.
And that has somewhat left the 155lb division in an unknown position with lightweight contenders unsure whether they may get the prospect to fight for the title.
One among which is longtime contender Justin Gaethje, who’s coming off the back of a bounce back win against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.
Gaethje’s manager warns he’ll stick by retirement threat
Following his win over Fiziev, ‘The Highlight’ stated that he wanted a light-weight title shot next, believing he’s the deserved next contender.
Not only that, but Gaethje even gave a retirement ultimatum, stating that if he wasn’t granted a title fight for his next outing, he would retire from the game.
That didn’t sit well with UFC boss, Dana White, who went on to inform Gaethje to retire, calling his retirement ultimatum ‘whacky’.
Since then, rumors have continued to surface that Topuria’s first lightweight title defense could come against Paddy Pimblett on the primary numbered event of 2026, kicking off the UFC’s recent cope with Paramount.
And with that, Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has warned that if that’s the case, the 36-year-old will stick with his word and retire from the game.
“I believe the UFC is waiting to see what happens with Islam and (Jack Della Maddalena). Also, I believe the UFC is waiting to see what happens with Arman (Tsarukyan) and (Dan) Hooker,” Abdelaziz told Submission Radio.
“But, I’m telling you this, Justin Gaethje never breaks his word. If he gets jumped by Paddy, he’ll retire and he won’t ever fight again within the UFC,” his manager warned.
“Justin Gaethje keeps giving the UFC favor after favor after favor, what has Paddy Pimblett done for the UFC to deserve a shot over Justin Gaethje?”
Ilia Topuria’s lofty ambitions could keep the lightweight division under hostage
Despite having not defended his 155lb title yet, Topuria has revealed that he wants a clash against Makhachev on the UFC White House event next yr.
The Spaniard has claimed that he’ll move as much as 170lbs to tackle the Russian if he successfully beats Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.
Nonetheless, at this point it’s unclear whether the promotion will allow Topuria to maneuver up immediately having not defended his title.